This Christ-centered blog is designed to serve stroke survivors, families and friends, through sharing experience and faith. My own stroke came on May 8, 1998. God provided medical professionals, friends, fellow believers, and strength to get me through some struggling recovery times.

Wednesday, September 02, 2009

Wanted: Recognition of stroke symptoms

Not good news: A large number of older people don't know the signs of a stroke.

Researchers from Dublin, Ireland, questioned 2,033 older men and women.

They found that fewer than half knew that dizziness, numbness, weakness, and headache were common warning signs of stroke.

Dr. Anne Hickey of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and colleagues also found that only 54% of participants listed slurred speech as an indicator of stroke.

What are the signs? Here they are, from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke:

Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg (especially on one side of the body)

Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech

Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes

Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination

Sudden severe headache with no known cause

And just one sign is enough. I never had a headache. Another stroke survivor never had a speech problem. Vision might or might not be affected. Again: One sign is enough. A stroke can hit the young or old.

What to do? If you have one of these symptoms, or if you are with someone who is showing a sign, get help immediately. Don't wait. Get that person to an emergency room (but don't, of course, drive yourself). Call 911.

Note to readers

This blog stands for faith in God and better stroke awareness. Everyone should be aware of stroke signs and know what to do. The life you save may be your own. Toward that end, stroke survivors and families are invited to share comments or stories. This is not designed to give anyone medical advice - we might talk about stroke care in general but always, always seek appropriate medical advice.

Stroke of Faith on Twitter

Share Stroke of Faith

Today's Bible passage

Exercise tips

There is a point where every runner needs a little motivation to head out the door. Here are some proven strategies to get moving on the tough days.These have also been helpful in dealing with other challenges.

Through his time-proven #runwalkrun techniques, Jeff has coached over a million runners - slow, fast and in between - to their goals through clinics, retreats, training programs, books and e-coaching. Sign up for his free newsletter at www.JeffGalloway.com.